Shapely Modesty

So, here another reality of modesty - not all "modest" clothes are modest on all women. Why? Because God made us all so beautifully different! We come in so many shapes, sizes and colors and reality is one size does NOT fit all! So where does that leave us? Here are some tips for keeping covered for every shape! 


Large Chested - It is fairly ironic I start with this because, well, this is certainly not my issue. However, I suppose that gives me a special point of view. I can get away with many tops some of my more voluptuous friends can't. Higher necklines are extremely difficult to find these days. Even so, it is not impossible. My mom once showed me the "backward tank top" trick. Cute colored tanks without tags in the back can be worn backward to give you far more coverage than if you had worn it normally. Cool tip huh? 


Nice Bottom - Have any ethnicity in you? Then you probably have some dazzling junk in your trunk. That, however, might attract a few too many lingering eyes. Focus on flowy, girly skirts! They are fun, they are beautiful, but they do not hug every curve. Dark jeans are also a necessary item of clothing - dark colors add a slimming effect. Feel like your jeans are too tight around your booty? Lucky for you, most stores sell really short really casual dresses (if you want to call them that). Putting a short dress over jeans creates a "tunic" effect that covers up your tush! 


Long Legs - Are you tall and slender? (Ya me neither haha) My sister is and she has gorgeous long legs. Problem? Short dresses. Dresses that my 5'3" frame can wear no problem are thigh-high on her figure. Solution? Maxi dresses! Maxi dresses are "all the rage" these days. They come in a gazillion styles, colors and budgets. They are super feminine and keep the "leg" issue under wraps.


Just a few quick tips on how to keep modest and keep cute :) Enjoy and check back in soon for more tips!

Modest Behavior

What IS Modesty? 

I think most women know that modest is more than just what you are wearing, it is how you act. Even being covered from head to toe does not ensure you act like a lady! 

Acting Like A Lady 

Do you behave modestly? I'm not talking about being humble, I'm talking about keeping the coquette side of you inside - or at least subdued. There comes a time in every woman's life when she realizes that her charm is her great asset. Maybe she struggled with body size or shape, maybe the awkward years of braces and glasses scarred her - but suddenly one day she recognizes that a sweet smile, the biting of her lip and that oh so soft tone of voice can magically give her the upper hand in the battle of the sexes. 

That's where Scripture comes in. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30) Ouch! I don't know about you but there have been plenty of times where that verse has stopped me in my tracks. "Flirtatiousness" is not one of the fruits of the spirit!

But what is flirting? What does deceptive charm look like? I would have to say it all goes back to intentions. In your heart of hearts, why are you titling your head, twisting your hair or mildly pouting? Is it to control and dominate the men in your path? To make you feel better about yourself? Is it selfish? If so, you are probably guilty of immodest behavior. 

I'll admit that some of the times I am the most guilty of flirting is when I am most modestly dressed. Why? There is always that sense when I am all covered up that I have lost the beauty war and that I am being overlooked by every man in the room. My solution? Act the way I wish I was dressed. Bad idea? Of course! It is just as bad, if not worse, for me to toy around with the guys around me as it is for me to clothe myself as eye-candy. Have you ever done the same thing? Just because outwardly I'm dressed like a lady, does not mean my mind is thinking like a lady, nor does it mean that my actions are lady-like.

Making it Practical 

So if you know that you are guilty of playing the coquette, here are some practical ways to watch that your actions match your clothing:

1. Position - Sit, stand and walk like a lady. Cross your legs, mind your skirt. Guys may not realize you are doing it on purpose, but every girl in the room knows you purposely left your skirt hiked up on your thigh. Stand with good posture, but never purposely stick out your chest or your booty. Women can strut, especially when in high heels, but don't do it - swaying your hips just doesn't equal modest behavior.

2. Facial Expression - This is my biggest trip - up. Puppy eyes, pouty lips, seductive innocence - you know what I'm talking about girls! It may momentarily get you your way, but its not a lady-like way to earn attention. Treat the guys around you with enough respect that you resist the urge to manipulate with your eyes. Be fun, be friendly, but don't fake the innocence - men know the difference between child-like heart and manipulative grace. 

3. Movement - A piggy-back to position, watch the way you move. Brushing your body past his "on accident", titling your head, stroking your legs - and of course the classic, "I'll bend over from the hips so he gets a good look at my butt" - are absolutely not on the modest behavior list. Its tempting, I know! But do not give in. You may get momentary attention, but its not worth it. 

In the end, don't let the thrill of captivating men's attention cause you to compromise your standards - no matter what the situation! I'll never forget a few weeks back when I left the house feeling absolutely stunning in a dress that I considered modestly elegant. I arrived at my destination to find another girl there looking not just stunning, but sensual in a form-fitting ensemble. As pathetic as it was, it brought me to tears as I stared in the mirror wishing I had chosen something more "playful." Looking back, however, I know the dress was the right choice for the occasion, even if I was not the one with all the attention. Thankfully, God gave me the strength not to be coy despite how overshadowed I felt. Modesty will not always get you the praise of the world, but your Father will look down and smile. 

Crazy for Old Navy!

Modest Shopping

My goal on this blog is to highlight amazing modest clothing options that I love.

I love giving kudos to stores who actually sell clothing that goes against the trends and Old Navy is receiving a special thank you from MysteryinModesty!

Now, I'm not advocating every item in their store, but there are a few reasons why I want to honor Old Navy.

Dresses


There is nothing more feminine than a flowy summer sundress. My closet is full of them! Old Navy has become my go-to store for casually adorable dresses. I am short, so most of their dresses hit or cover my knees. Although their options are almost entirely sleeveless or spaghetti strapped, they have a wide selection of sweaters in colors that match their dresses.

This chiffon dress is currently on my wish list. I already own the purple sweater that matches.

It hits about half-way down my knee because of my size and the neckline is very feminine. Act now and its only $25.00 during their current dress sale. Hate to say it but I'm waiting to find it on the clearance rack! 

Swimwear 

I plan on dedicating an entire post (or perhaps a series) on the oh so difficult topic of swimwear, but I would just like to thank Old Navy for having some great one-piece and tankini options, along with countless cover-ups! 

Most stores have very limited non-bikini options, but Old Navy has a variety of great swim pieces.

Wanting to avoid the **cling** factor? This is a basic, loose-fitting one-piece. Although it still rings in at $35.00, it may be worth the investment. 

Need tummy-control for a long torso? This ruched design is great! It comes at the price of $44.94.  

I'm not a huge fan of my thighs, so the bikini-bottoms on these can make me feel a little uncomfortable. No problem! Follow this link to check out their fold over jersey-knit skirt (It comes in a million designs and colors!) These skirts even hit below the knee and make great out-of-the-water cover-ups. 

Want something to wear in the water? These shorts are great to add a little cover! 

At only $15.00 the modesty and confidence these add is certainly worth it! 

Check it All Out!

There's my two cents for today! Check out www.oldnavy.com to see what other beautiful dresses and swimsuits they have for the hot summer days ahead!

Modesty Quote of the Day

"Sisters, be careful how you dress. I'm not here to give you a dress standard. Just dress in such a way that if the Lord came tomorrow and called a meeting together and invited you to attend that you would feel comfortable to a be in his presence" -Elder M. Russell Ballard